One-on-one with Damiano Mastrangioli, Product Manager of Smartpaying

I joined Smartpricing in June 2021, and I am currently the product manager of Smartpaying, a new product of Helium S.r.l. (the company of Smartpricing).

Since joining the company, I have expressed my passion for the startup world and creating innovative products. 

The CEO, Luca, granted me the opportunity to develop this professional inclination of mine, and I immediately set out to help my colleagues and put my best effort into it. 

Thanks to this proactive attitude, I received the opportunity to work on the Smartpaying project from the very beginning, a great achievement for me!

I chose Smartpricing because I have always had a great passion for digital startups, their ability to innovate and grow rapidly. 

After graduation, I started looking for an internship opportunity in such a context, and Smartpricing attracted me right away.

In particular, two elements convinced me to choose it. 

First, I found the idea behind the software ingenious: an algorithm that helps hoteliers find the right prices. 

I immediately understood the benefits of this product and the importance of dynamic pricing for hoteliers.

Second, I really appreciated the professional background acquired abroad by the founders Luca, Tommaso and Eugenio, and how they were able to bring it to Italy.

I work within Smartpaying's product team, and every day I am responsible for:

• conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis of feedback collected from our clientele in order to understand business and market needs
• contacting various hotel facilities to promote the solution and receive valuable feedback from those working directly in the field.

My main goal is to develop a product that precisely meets the needs of hoteliers and solves their real problems.

In this way, Smartpaying becomes more attractive in the market, and it becomes easier to promote it.

To do my job, I believe it is essential to be empathetic and to be able to ask the right questions to understand the real needs of hoteliers. 

In addition, it is important to be able to analyze the feedback provided by potential customers.

In this activity, it is then essential to have an entrepreneurial approach.

Thanks to this, it is possible to be proactive and come up with new ideas and solutions to create an attractive product in the market.

To keep my skills up-to-date, I keep myself constantly informed about the world of startups and product management through reading specialized books and blogs. 

My absolute favorite is "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries, an indispensable text for creating an entrepreneurial project from scratch, without wasting resources and listening to the needs of potential customers.

To this I add "Continuous Discovery Habits" by Teresa Torres and "Inspired" by Marty Cagan.

Both provide excellent insights into how to create a product that people really appreciate.

One of the core principles of Smartpricing that helps me do my best is the acceptance of error. 

This allows me to act without anxiety or fear, and to dare more in my work activities.

In addition, the relaxed atmosphere in the company is a great advantage because it allows me to build great relationships with my colleagues. 

They are always willing to help me both professionally and personally, they listen to me and offer valuable advice to solve any problems.

It is a very challenging experience, especially because it is a fast-growing company.

I started working here when there were 15 employees and now there are more than 100 of us, so I have been able to watch the processes and strategies develop exponentially.

All this makes the work compelling and always full of new challenges to face.

Having grown up with the company, I have been able to appreciate many important aspects of it.

First, I would like to emphasize the human relationship with my colleagues − I know I can always count on them.

Second, I love the ambition that is exuded at Smartpricing.

The goals that each team member sets are challenging and constantly push us to surpass ourselves. 

This makes working here always stimulating, surrounded by professionals who encourage us to do our best.

Finally, I cannot fail to mention the personal and professional growth that I have gained from sharing knowledge within the company. 

This makes it possible to grow quickly and achieve outstanding results.

Smartpricing is my only professional experience, but from comparing with others, I know that elsewhere there is a lack of an approach related to innovation.

At Smartpricing there is a mindset focused on the constant quest for improvement. 

This means that we don't give up in the face of difficulties, but we face them and solve them through a constant process of analysis and optimization of processes and decisions.

If you want to work in an environment that can revolutionize the hospitality industry − well, this is the place to be!

Our products, Smartpricing and Smartpaying, are solutions that really address the needs of hoteliers.

I have proof of this every day when I talk to our customers − they are thrilled with our work!